8 February 2010

News From The Recent Members Meeting

On the 19^th February, the NPS held its first meeting of the year. After a disappointing year in 2009, topped by the straight refusal of the Nomadic Charitable Trust to want to work with us, the society has regrouped and strengthened its resolve – and certainly there is a wind of change in the air. There was a strong turnout of members and despite the cold weather outside, they all left warmed after the various forms of fantastic news given to them during the evening.

To find out details of these, please visit the various threads soon to appear on our forum to read about them. However, to give you a taster, the main topics discussed are outlined below :-

1)  The Nomadic Preservation Society is pleased to announce that we have gained Charitable Status – this is a hugely important step for the society and will greatly increase our exposure and chances of success as we move forward.

2)  During a visit to the Nomadic's remaining lifeboat and panelling, a Heritage Lottery Fund executive and Ulster Folk and Transport Museum's Keeper of Transport, Michael McCaughan were both highly impressed by not only the artefacts themselves, but also by the way the NPS has handled this whole issue. There are some last minute details to tie down, but as it stands, the HLF are proposing to award the society a substantial amount towards not only the restoration of the boat, but also all of the required ancillary items.

3)  The ship's 2 1^st Class port vestibule doors are now in the hands of Extern and are currently undergoing slow and careful restoration.

4)  The structure of the society itself is changing as well – and for the better. We now have fixed dates for this year's remaining meetings – all to be held at our new home, the Belmont Tower (a lovely venue indeed) – and four publications a year (2 Lone Stars and 2 Crow's Nests).

5)     We have welcomed 3 new Committee Members, Rupert Keyzar (2^nd term) and David and Ruth Young from Fermanagh with further expansion expected.

Certainly, this is going to be a fantastic year for the society and we hope you will join us!

NPS Supports Petition To Save The Paddle Ship 'Ryde'

The Nomadic Preservation Society is pleased to support the petition to save the Paddle Ship Ryde from destruction. For a while, it looked that she had been saved – however, liquidators for the creditors of the marina where the ship is located have decided to scrap her instead. In order to attempt to block this, a petition has been created and sent to the UK Prime Minister. This is a worthy cause and so we recommend all who read this, log on and add your name. The petition is already at  well over 2,700 names, thus ensuring the Prime Minister has to either intervene or at the very least, respond.

Click on the link below to add your voice - if you need any persuading then look at the photo.....

PS Ryde Petition

With growing worldwide interest and fascination with historic steamships, we hope that the people can once again save a proud ship from obscurity/destruction.

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